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Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Refashioned Bags



A review copy of this book arrived in my mailbox yesterday. For a thrifter (Op-shopper for those of you who live down under) and a bagaholic, there couldn't be a more appropriate book. Besides 24 specific bag making projects, they have " handpicked the hottest and most innovative bags made from post-consumer materials (how much better that sounds than used or re-cycled) from around the globe. The designers of these bags contribute their stories, tips on sourcing and their artistic pitfalls and triumphs for your crafty inspiration".
The intriguing bag on the cover is made mostly with zippers. There is one made of old ties, another from bath mats and glue (that would be fun for the beach, if only the temperature here were above zero and we lived less than 3000 miles from the beach), one made from a shower curtain and even one from magazine pages. Some of them are a bit far out for my taste but then I'm not a teenager any more. Some of them are more traditional looking, using jeans, leather jackets or velvet pants. One of my favorites is made from old doilies (there are always tons of them at our local thrift shop and I have dyed a few of them but then didn't know what to do with them. Now I know.) and curtain rings covered with ribbon. Another one uses a glove as a flap. Now I know what to do with that glove that is missing it's mate. Maybe my unmatched sock bag will finally be useful, althoug an old sock might not look as trendy as a nice leather glove. Who knew that a round electrical plug plate could become a trendy purse closure when covered with suede? Don't be at all surprised if you see several new bags showing up on this blog in the near future.
The authors, Faith and Justina Blakeny are sisters and the designers behind Compai, a crafty design studio and eco-clothing label. I'd say this book is well worth buying if you enjoy this sort of craft.

7 comments:

Brenda said...

That looks like a fun book. who are you reviewing it for? And you have to stop showing your bread on your blog -- I'm drooling over here! What's the name again of your bread book?

Lynn Cohen said...

Love the book will you be making some bags then?

Debra Dixon said...

Will stay tuned for the bags!

Lily Mulholland said...

Oooh lucky you and how totally perfect for you Joyce! Love the one made from zips - very clever and very cool. Can't wait to see your creations!

Ali Honey said...

Oh Good that means you are going to be making some unusual bags.
You know I love you making bags! It starts a stream of bags from others. Yea Bag Ladies!

jovaliquilts said...

It's so great to see the creativity fly when you start with something that would otherwise be trash, and you end up with something useful. Very cool.

Beadyjan said...

What a super looking book sounds right up my street